Historic Colne trees felled for safety of public

Four historic trees which gave rise to the name of an area of Colne have been felled for the safety of the public.

The four black poplars, which were situated alongside Cotton Tree Lane, were on land owned by LBS and were taken down on the advice of an independent arboriculturist.

Pendle Council’s deputy leader Coun. Tony Greaves had called for the felling of the trees to be halted because of their historical value and the lack of public consultation, but County Coun. Paul White believes that the right decision has been made.

Coun. White said: “The council first knew of an issue when somebody called to say that there was a branch hanging off one of the trees.

“Chris Binney, the council’s tree officer, wrote to LBS (the landowner) telling them they needed to make the trees safe. They then had an independent report done. Three were in a catastrophic state and likely to fall at any time and the other likely to be in that position soon.

“At that point they became liable if anything happened. If one was to go over in a storm, it could block the river, and that area floods. Equally it could cause damage to the road, and they are close enough to come down on houses.

“It’s a shame they are historical, but safety becomes before history in this situation.”

Cuttings have been taken and there are plans to replant on the other side of the river, further away from the road and properties.

The reason the area became Cotton Tree is because every dozen years or so, when conditions are favourable, black poplars drop their seeds which look like cotton buds.